BAYONNE – The 19th police chief in the city’s history took the reins Thursday, July 24 as Drew Niekrasz was elevated to the post from deputy chief in a ceremony at City Hall.

Dozens of people packed the Dorothy E. Harrington City Council Chambers for the event. Drew Sisk was named deputy chief.

Niekrasz replaces former chief Ralph Scianni, who retired on June 30.

Mayor James Davis, in office since July 1, said it was his proudest day as mayor thus far, having worked with both officers for 26 years and being proud to have served alongside them.

“It’s an awesome day for the Bayonne Police Department,” said new Public Safety Director Robert Kubert, a former chief himself.

“We are just very proud of him,” said Maureen Niekrasz, of her husband. “This is a very big accomplishment after all these years.”

Niekrasz is in his 27th year with the department. He joined the force in 1988. He is a third-generation member of the county’s public safety community. His father served more than 30 years with the Jersey City Fire Department, and his grandfather served with the Jersey City Police Department. --Joseph Passantino